Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Education Trust Act to update definitions and rules for advance tuition payment contracts, directly affecting individuals who purchase these contracts to fund future college education. The legislation clarifies who qualifies as a beneficiary and purchaser while establishing specific conditions under which a contract can be terminated, such as when a student dies, is not admitted to a state school, or chooses to attend a different type of institution. It also outlines how refunds are calculated upon termination, specifying that payments may be reduced based on the number of credit hours completed and allowing for the transfer of funds to other eligible colleges if the student changes schools. By amending existing sections of the law, the bill aims to ensure the trust operates with updated terminology and clearer procedures for handling contract cancellations and refunds.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's public health code to strictly prohibit public bodies from using dogs in research or training activities that cause pain or distress. It defines specific scenarios where such use is forbidden, including procedures that could cause death, injury, fear, trauma, or involve invasive surgeries, while allowing exceptions for veterinary training on existing ailments and routine spaying or neutering. The legislation empowers the state department to inspect facilities and establish rules for animal care, and it imposes civil fines of up to $5,000 per day for each dog involved in a violation. Additionally, the bill creates a new Animal Research Advisory Board to oversee these standards and repeals previous sections of the code that are no longer needed.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's veterinary laws to formally require a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before a veterinarian can treat an animal. To establish this relationship, a veterinarian must assume responsibility for clinical judgments, obtain the owner's agreement to follow instructions, and have current knowledge of the animal through an in-person exam, a specific telehealth visit, or a visit to the animal's location. The legislation explicitly allows veterinarians to conduct telehealth exams for companion animals using real-time audio and video, provided they have the necessary equipment and are available for emergencies. However, it restricts telehealth by prohibiting remote exams for non-companion animals, forbidding the issuance of interstate health certificates remotely, and limiting remote prescriptions to a 14-day supply without refills. Additionally, the bill mandates that controlled substances can only be prescribed after an in-person examination or a visit to the animal's premises.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows homeowners in Michigan who have already qualified for a property tax exemption due to poverty to skip the annual reapplication process for up to three years, provided they continue to own and occupy the home and receive a fixed income from sources like Social Security or public assistance. Under current rules, eligible individuals must file a new claim with their local board of review every year, but this legislation creates an exception for those whose income does not fluctuate significantly, thereby reducing administrative burdens for low-income residents. The law also requires homeowners to file a simple affidavit within 45 days if their living situation changes or if they no longer meet the income requirements, ensuring that the exemption is only maintained for those who remain eligible.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Energy Stability Fund within the state treasury to help cover energy costs for specific groups of people. The fund can receive money from any source, and the state treasurer will manage its investments while the Department of Health and Human Services oversees its use. Money in the fund will not be returned to the general budget at the end of the year and can only be spent to provide energy assistance to low-income seniors, individuals with qualified disabilities, and veterans.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows the state Department of Health and Human Services to group up to three counties into a single administrative unit to improve efficiency. Before creating such a unit, the department must consult with the local county boards. If the boards cannot agree on a director within three months, the department can appoint one based on recommendations from just one of the affected boards.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's juvenile code to clarify the court's authority and jurisdiction over minors under 18 years of age. It specifically details the conditions under which a juvenile court has exclusive jurisdiction, including cases involving specific criminal violations, truancy, running away from home, and situations of neglect or abuse. The legislation also defines what constitutes a "specified juvenile violation" and outlines criteria for determining when a juvenile's home environment is unfit or when a child is considered dependent. By updating these definitions and jurisdictional rules, the bill aims to provide clearer legal standards for handling juvenile cases within the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to update Michigan's occupational code to formally establish a licensing requirement for interior designers. By adding a new article to the law, it would create specific rules and standards that individuals must meet to legally practice interior design in the state. The legislation directly affects current and future interior designers, as well as businesses and consumers who hire them for professional services.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's construction code to allow certain interior designers who prepare technical submissions to submit building permit applications directly. The change applies specifically to licensed interior designers working on residential projects and requires them to include their occupational license number and insurance or tax exemption details on the application form. By explicitly including interior designers alongside architects and engineers in the list of permitted applicants, the legislation clarifies their existing ability to handle permit paperwork for residential structures. The bill also mandates that the application form include a warning about penalties for conspiring to bypass state licensing rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of highway M-11 in Kent County as the "Korean War Veterans Memorial Drive." The affected roadway stretches from the intersection with 3 Mile Road south to the bridge over the Grand River. By amending state highway naming laws, the legislation officially assigns this commemorative name to the route. The change applies immediately and does not alter any traffic rules or funding provisions.